2019-06-01_Motorcycle_Mojo_Magazine

36 MOTORCYCLE MOJO MAY 2019

mere mortals, while still allowing the

Rubén Xauses of the world to punch

holes in the laws of physics.

Legendary Ducati

The magical formula for these

mythical beasts starts with Ducati’s

signature trellis frame, L-twin motor

and Desmodromic valve actuation,

so no surprises there. These elements,

however, have been reworked from

the previous-generation Hypermotard

to produce a machine that is four to

6 kg lighter and 4 hp stronger. New

pistons with a higher compression

ratio, a new exhaust cam and a new

53 mm throttle body combine with new

engine mapping to produce the power

increase along with a healthy torque

plateau between 5,000 and 9,500 rpm.

The Testastretta 11° engine (indicating

an 11-degree included valve angle) is

liquid cooled, and displaces 937 cc, just

like the previous Hypermotard, despite

the new bike’s 950 designation.

Reducing the steel tube wall

thickness in strategic areas on the

frame, magnesium cylinder head

covers, and some aluminum bits in the

suspension and brakes all contribute

to the weight savings for the base

Hypermotard, while carbon timing-belt

covers, front mud guard and forged

Marchesini wheels help shave a further

2 kg from the SP model.

The engines and frames of the two

versions are identical, but for your extra

hard-earned dollars, the SP comes with

fully adjustable Öhlins suspension

front and rear with increased travel, an

excellent quick shifter (optional on the

base Hypermotard), the aforementioned

Marchesini wheels and carbon bits, and

Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires

instead of the base 950’s Diablo Rosso

IIIs. The increased travel of the suspen-

sion allows for three degrees more lean

angle compared to the base 950, but

does raise the seat height 20 mm (more

on seat heights later).

The Circuito de Maspalomas is laid

out next to an airport that is seemingly

right on the beach, with some track

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tarmac and runway. There is a small ele-

vation change as you approach the end

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of corners, but the rest of the circuit is

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consisted of four second-gear hairpins

and two chicanes, all joined by short

straights. It was a perfect playground

for the more track-focused SP, allowing

for tail-sliding corner entries, surprising

lean angles and power wheelie exits.

PRESS LAUNCH 2019 DUCATI HYPERMOTARD 950

Pirelli Diablo

Rosso III tires

on the base model;

SP gets Pirelli

Diablo Supercorsa

SP V3 tires.

Available Termignoni

exhaust system

with titanium sleeve,

carbon endcap and

steel manifolds.

Dedicated engine

fuel mapping

included.